Airlink Cargo eyes new express markets

JOY ORLEK THE LIMITED scope of rail and road transport in southern Africa has created big opportunities for airfreight in the region and it’s an area of strong focus for Airlink Cargo International. ACI is the cargo arm of Airlink, whose comprehensive domestic network provides an express parcel facility for businesses in outlying areas that were previously outside the mainstream loop. Its regional destinations include Ndola, Antananarivo, Beira, Bulawayo, Manzini and Maseru. “We are keen to extend our route network by co-operating with other carriers,” says ACI managing director Alwyn Rautenbach, who is examining the viability of several new markets in its express niche. Its fleet of Jetstream J41 and Embraer 135 aircraft is ideally suited for general express packages up to 50kg. The company restructured and refocused a year ago to concentrate on the lucrative overborder market, and it’s paying dividends, says Rautenbach. But its focus extends beyond the product offering to the client interface and added value services for its client base. Airlink Cargo has invested heavily in the refurbishment of its front office. “It’s part of our customer-centric philosophy,” says Rautenbach. “Although it was a costly exercise, it provides a better working environment for our staff and customers.” Streamlining the collection and delivery service for freight forwarders is also a key area of focus. “We need to ensure that we don’t waste their resources and that means providing a smooth and predictable service, communicating delays every step of the way.”